Marvin White, president of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the STAR student event locally, made the announcement during the Chamber’s monthly coffee hour Feb. 19.

Anfinson is the daughter of Tim and Beth Anfinson of Comer.

Anfinson, an MCHS senior, selected Latana Coile, an AP US history, psychology and sociology instructor at the high school, as her STAR teacher. This is Coile’s fifth time to be selected by a student for this honor.

“I have a deep respect for her as a teacher and as an individual,” Anfinson said of Coile during the presentation. “She’s a very knowledgeable teacher – one of the best I’ve ever had.”

And Coile was quick to return the compliment. “Laura is just one of the brightest kids I’ve ever been around,” she said, adding that she’s only known one other student who rivaled her in academic ability. “She’s gifted,” she said.

Anfinson is actually an advanced enrollment student at the University of Georgia this year – choosing to get a jump- start on her college career. “She won’t tell you this, but she was only one of two (in her class) chosen for the program,” Coile said.

“I’m just impressed with Laura as a person, she is a well-rounded individual…she was the kid in class always helping others,” Coile added.

In addition to her studies at UGA, Anfinson is also a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, a member of the MCHS marching band and active in her church.

“We are very proud of Ms. Anfinson and Ms. Coile and the academic excellence they exemplify at Madison County High School,” White said.